Raphael Varane livid with two Erik ten Hag decisions – but he could still block his exit

Manchester United defender Raphael Varane is not happy with Erik ten Hag following the Dutchman’s decision to pick Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof ahead of him in recent weeks

Everton will create hostile atmosphere ahead of Man Utd clash | Football Digest

Raphael Varane is far from happy with Erik ten Hag after falling behind both Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof in the Manchester United pecking order.

The World Cup winner, 30, moved to Old Trafford in the summer of 2021 and quickly established himself as an influential player under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and then Ralf Rangnick. Varane also enjoyed a strong campaign during Ten Hag’s first year at the helm last season, however, he has found himself out of favour in recent weeks.

Varane has started just one of United’s last eight games in all competitions, sparking speculation that he could be sold in January. And it has now emerged that the Frenchman is far from happy with his current situation.

According to a new report from The Mail, Varane was involved in a ‘frank exchange’ with Ten Hag after the Dutchman dropped him for the Manchester derby. He cited “tactical reasons” when explaining the change, which saw Evans partner Harry Maguire in defence.

Not only was Varane unhappy that Evans was selected ahead of him, Ten Hag’s decision to partner Maguire with Lindelof when the Northern Ireland sustained an injury against Luton a fortnight ago has only further angered the ex-Real Madrid man, whose relationship with Ten Hag has now completely broken down.

While there is thought to be a willingness from both Varane and Manchester United to part ways, it remains to be seen if Ten Hag would be willing to sell a player of his calibre Varane midway through the season.

Join the debate! Should Man Utd be open to selling Varane? Let us know here.

Raphael Varane is not happy with Erik ten Hag after being overlooked for Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof

Bayern Munich have expressed an interest in Varane’s services in a deal which is likely to amount to around £25million. However, it is highly unlikely the German champions would be able to afford his significant £340,000-a-week pay packet – meaning Varane could be forced to stay put regardless of Ten Hag’s stance on selling in the winter transfer window.

Ten Hag have little away on Varane’s situation while discussing the competition for places in defence ahead of this weekend’s match against Everton. He said: “He [Maguire] took his chance. We were talking about injured players, he took his chance when Rapha [Varane] was absent.

“There is internal competition, which is normal in big clubs. When your chance comes, you must seize it and the others must fight to find their place.”

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